China reports foot-and-mouth outbreak

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

*Plagues, Pestilences and Diseases

China reports foot-and-mouth outbreak*

Reuters
August 23, 2006; 8:41 PM

BEIJING (Reuters) - China has reported a new outbreak of foot-and-mouth
disease in cattle in the western province of Qinghai, but it has already
been contained, a state newspaper said on Tuesday.

The outbreak in Huangzhong county, which was confirmed last week,
resulted in the slaughter of 50 cattle, the Beijing News said, citing an
Agriculture Ministry notice.

There have been at least three other outbreaks in Qinghai since July.

Foot-and-mouth disease does not affect humans and outbreaks are
relatively easy to control, but the contagious disease can have a
serious impact on the livestock industry by reducing meat and milk
production.

Outbreaks that have resulted in the slaughter of more than 1,000 animals
have been reported around China so far this year.